Should I see a dentist if one of my wisdom teeth rotted and broke off? It doesn’t hurt, and it’s not sensitive to cold, heat, or anything else. Thanks. Colin from San Diego
Colin,
Many dentists would encourage scheduling an exam just to be safe. That is reasonable advice, but based on your description, your tooth doesn’t seem to be problematic.
Why Might a Rotten Tooth Stop Hurting?
When the top of a tooth breaks off completely, the remaining tooth often becomes exposed. Decay usually progresses quickly because there is no enamel left to protect the tooth.
Pressure inside the tooth can decrease, reducing the risk of severe throbbing pain associated with a closed infection.
Reasons to Still Be Concerned About Your Dental Health
Although your broken wisdom tooth may not be an immediate dental emergency, allowing a tooth to decay is still risky. Serious infections can develop unexpectedly and quickly.
You may have other teeth with untreated decay. Cavities often begin silently and become more complicated over time.
There are several reasons why a dental exam would be helpful:
- Early cavities are easier and less costly to treat
- Dentists can check X-rays for hidden infections
- Preventive care may help you avoid future tooth loss
Even if your tooth feels fine, getting a checkup is the best way to avoid more serious problems down the road.
The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.
I’m 27 and have only had one cavity in my life. Two weeks ago, my dentist found five white spot areas between my upper teeth and described them as incipient caries. She told me the caries seem to be limited to the enamel and have not reached the dentin, so she recommends watching them rather than placing fillings right away. I am concerned that waiting too long will result in larger cavities.
